Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has launched a new Facilities Management and Workplace Services dynamic purchasing system (DPS), providing a route to market for public sector buyers who need lower value and/or less complex hard and soft FM services.
For FM suppliers, this is the kind of agreement that can create steady pipeline, but only if you treat it as an “always-on” bidding channel rather than a one-off application. A DPS is open for suppliers to join (subject to meeting requirements), and customers then run competitions to award call-off contracts. That means your real win rate is determined by how well you respond to call-offs once you’re on the system, not just by getting admitted.
What RM6264 covers
The Find a Tender notice sets out the types of FM and workplace services CCS expects to be available through the DPS, including:
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Catering and cleaning services
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Helpdesk services
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Landscaping
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Maintenance services
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Security services
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Waste services
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Visitor support services
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Smart FM solutions, including CAFM services
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Statutory obligations / compliance services
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plus “miscellaneous” FM services and specific defence-related service categories
How customers will shortlist suppliers
One of the most useful parts of the notice is how CCS intends buyers to filter the market. The DPS is organised into distinct categories so suppliers can select what matches their offer, and customers can filter to produce a shortlist of suppliers to invite to a competition.
The four categories are:
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Services
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Building type
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Location
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Annual contract value
This matters because it shapes how you should position your capability. If your “services” selection is too broad, you risk looking unfocused. If it’s too narrow, you risk missing invitations. Similarly, clarity on building type (for example offices, healthcare, education, blue-light estates, industrial) and contract value ranges will influence how often you’re shortlisted.
Contract value and timeline
RM6264 has an estimated value excluding VAT of £750m. The DPS end date is 23 February 2029, with the value having been increased from £750m to £2bn due to the extension to 2029 to support market stability and continued customer access.
In other words, CCS expects meaningful activity through this route, and the extended lifespan gives suppliers time to build a track record of wins if they approach it methodically.
Practical preparation steps for FM suppliers
Build a “call-off ready” evidence pack
FM competitions often move quickly. You’ll respond faster (and more consistently) if you prepare core content in advance: mobilisation approach, TUPE and workforce management, supply chain controls, KPI reporting, compliance assurance, and H&S delivery. Keep it modular so you can tailor for building type and service line without rewriting from scratch.
Make your offer easy to evaluate
In FM, vague promises read as risk. Be specific about response times, supervision model, audit cadence, escalation routes, planned maintenance regimes, and how you prove statutory compliance. Where you deliver multiple services, explain how you integrate them day-to-day rather than describing separate workstreams.
Decide where you want to win, not just where you can deliver
Because buyers will filter by location and annual value, having a clear pursuit strategy helps. For example, you might prioritise regions where you already have management coverage, or value bands that match your mobilisation capacity. That focus makes your bid story stronger and reduces operational stretch.
Compliance, not complexity
This DPS is intended for lower value or less complex FM. Buyers will still expect control and compliance, but they’ll also want simplicity: straightforward mobilisation plans, credible staffing, and low-friction contract management.
How Thornton & Lowe can support you
Thornton & Lowe can support you at two levels:
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Strategy and readiness for FM competitions: tightening your service positioning, building a reusable evidence library, and creating a repeatable bid process for frequent call-offs through our Facilities Management tenders support.
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Raising scoring performance in FM bids: particularly around mobilisation, KPIs, risk and value — see our practical guide on how to win facilities management tenders for the themes evaluators usually score most heavily.
If RM6264 is a fit, the best approach is to get your foundation right once, then use it to respond quickly and confidently each time a relevant opportunity is released.
